Died On This Date (August 23, 2010) George David Weiss / Wrote Several Pop Hits of the ’50s, ’60s, & ’70s

George David Weiss
April 9, 1921 – August 23, 2010

Photo Credit: Sam Teicher Collection/Songwriters Hall Of Fame

George David Weiss was a prolific songwriter who achieved most of his success during the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s.  His songs have been recorded by such legendary performers as Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, and Mel Torme.   Weiss’ songbook includes “What A Wonderful World,” “Mr. Wonderful,” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”  Weiss also wrote music for several films and Broadway shows.  His film scores include Mr. Wonderful, Mediterranean Holiday, and Gidget Goes To Rome.  He was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the one-time president of the Songwriters Guild of America.  George David Weiss was 89 when he died of natural causes on August 23, 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist


Died On This Date (August 23, 2006) David Schnaufer / Respected Dulcimer Player

David Schnaufer
DOB Unknown – August 23, 2006

David Schnaufer was a folk musician whose instrument of choice, the dulcimer, can be heard on countless country, Americana and bluegrass recordings.  During the ’80s, he moved from Texas to Nashville where he became one of the most in-demand studio players.  Over the years he’s played on records by the likes of the Judds, Kathy Mattea, Hank Williams Jr., Alison Krauss, and Cyndi Lauper.  He was also a member of alt-country band, the Cactus Brothers which included members of Walk The West.   During the mid ’90s, he became a music professor at Vanderbilt University.  David Schnaufer died of lung cancer on August 23, 2010.  Fellow Cactus Brother, Paul Kirby passed away in 2011.



Died On This Date (August 23, 2009) Stacy Fleeman / Nashville Musician & Label Head

Stacy Fleeman
December 24, 1975 – August 23, 2009

stacyStacy Fleeman was a beloved member of the Nashville music community.  Besides being the singer of area band, Dharmakaya, Fleeman ran Spat! Records and also worked the door at the popular night club, The End.  Fleeman passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital at the age of 33.  Cause of death was not immediately released.



Died On This Date (August 23, 2006) Maynard Ferguson / Popular Jazz Musician

Maynard Ferguson
May 4, 1928 – August 23, 2006

Maynard Ferguson was a highly regarded Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader.  He has been noted for his ability to play in an extremely high register and for being one of the few jazz musicians who could easily adapt to the constantly changing musical landscape.  He began his career as a child prodigy in 1939 – he dropped out of school at 15 to put his focus on his music.  By the time he was twenty, Ferguson was living in the U.S. where he landed his first jobs with Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet, and about a year later he was hired to play in Stan Kenton’s orchestra.   During the ’60s, he moved to Europe, but returned to the U.S. in the ’70s and landed a pop hit with his rendition of “Gonna Fly” from the Rocky film.  He continued recording and touring up until the final years of his life.  On August 23, 2006, Maynard Ferguson died of kidney and liver failure which were the result of an abdominal infection.  He was 78.

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Maynard Ferguson

Died On This Date (August 22, 2006) Bruce Gary / The Knack

Bruce Gary
April 7, 1951 – August 22, 2006

Bruce Gary is best remembered as the drummer of ’80s power pop band, the Knack.  A drummer from an early age, eventually found himself playing on the road with Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor and Carla Bley.  In 1978, he joined up with Doug Fieger, Burton Averre and Prescott Niles in the Knack.  Their debut album, Get The Knack included the song “My Sharona” which became a massive era-defining hit thanks in part to Gary’s instantly recognizable opening drum beat.  The album eventually went on to sell over six million copies.  The group broke up in 1982 and Gary went on to perform on records by the likes of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Sheryl Crow and John Lee Hooker.  He also worked as a producer, working with such acts as the Ventures.   Bruce Gary died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 55.

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Get the Knack - The Knack